Meadow Hill Unveils Student Friendly Food Pantry

Meadow Hill School unveiled a food pantry to help support students in need. The Meadow Hill School Pantry is a vital and compassionate initiative dedicated to addressing food insecurity within our school community. Conveniently situated in their school building, this pantry plays a crucial role in ensuring that every student and their family have access to nutritious meals, irrespective of their economic circumstances.

One of the defining features of the pantry is its accessibility. Located within the school campus, it operates during school hours, providing a convenient and discreet way for students to access the support they need. The Meadow Hill School Pantry boasts a diverse array of food options, ranging from fresh produce to canned goods, pasta, proteins, snacks, and even hygiene products. This variety ensures that those in need can enjoy balanced and nourishing meals. As an added bonus, students are able to “shop” for ingredients and can make meals with their families with recipes provided by culinary arts teacher, Mr. James Wenzel.

Pantry operators prioritize confidentiality and respect, creating a judgment-free environment where individuals can access pantry resources with dignity and privacy. The Meadow Hill School Pantry is the result of a collaborative effort that involves The Food Bank of the Hudson Valley, dedicated school staff, the Meadow Hill Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), parents, local businesses, and community volunteers. This collective teamwork guarantees a steady supply of food and support for those facing food insecurity.

By addressing food insecurity, our school pantry not only ensures proper nutrition but also contributes to the overall well-being and academic success of our students. It recognizes that proper nourishment is essential for cognitive development and concentration. Additionally, the pantry encourages community engagement and volunteerism, fostering empathy and unity among students and their families.

"Our School Food Pantry" at Meadow Hill School is a symbol of our unwavering commitment to the well-being of our students and our belief in the transformative power of education. It ensures that no student goes to class hungry, creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where all students have the opportunity to thrive academically and personally. 

NECSD School Pantries have been made possible through generous donations from Hannaford and KeyBank to help feed food-insecure residents in the Newburgh, Poughkeepsie, and Middletown communities. The funds are managed through the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley. This initiative is made possible through the dedicated efforts of our school staff, the support of the Meadow Hill PTO, community partnerships, and the generosity of individuals like Mr. Prokosch, Mr. Wenzel, Mrs. Verlazza, Mr. Schoenherr, Mrs. Prokosch, Ms. Rogers, Mr. Velez, Mr. Morrison, and their respective teams who have played pivotal roles in its success.

ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!